Amy's Life in Canada

Victoria Trip - Butchart Gardens 6 (May 16, 2010)

2011-01-30T20:54:00.004-05:00

Victoria Trip - Butchart Gardens 5 (May 16, 2010)

2011-01-28T21:25:00.006-05:00

Japanese Garden is very asian. It is one of the gardens that I like the most in Butchart Gardens.

Now let's turn to the garden in European style.

(to be Continued)

Victoria Trip - Butchart Gardens 4 (May 16, 2010)

2011-01-27T21:13:00.003-05:00

Victoria Trip - Butchart Gardens 3 (May 16, 2010)

2011-01-23T22:08:00.005-05:00

Victoria Trip - Butchart Gardens 2 (May 16, 2010)

2011-01-23T19:25:00.005-05:00

I heard that between May and June is the best time to visit the Butchart Gardens if you would like to see the most variety and color of plants in blossom. I am glad that I made the right decision that went to the gardens at the right season. I would also like, however, to revisit the gardens in other seasons if I had the chance in the future. I believe these amazing gardens would represent different beauties to visitors.

Victoria Trip - Butchart Gardens 1 (May 16, 2010)

2011-01-23T14:52:00.012-05:00

We took my parents to visit Victoria On May 16, 2010. Four of us set out early at around 6am in the morning. My husband drove us to BC Ferry terminal at Tsawwassen. We boarded on BC Ferry at 7am, and arrived at Victoria after 1.5 hours ride.

Visiting Butchart Garden at Victoria with my family has been one of my dream since I came to Canada in 2005. This is the reason why I had never been to Victoria even I was very close to it in Vancouver for almost 2 years. My dream finally came true after 5 years of waiting. It felt like I was the happiest person in this world. I can't wait to show my parents how beautiful that floral kindom is...

click here to go to the Butchart Gardens website

Vancouver Coal Harbour & Stanley Park (May 15)

2010-09-21T14:11:00.006-04:00

Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour 2 (May 15)

2010-06-07T08:21:00.010-04:00

3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver

Phone: 604-985-7474

Website: http://www.capbridge.com/index.html

Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour 1 (May 15)

2010-06-06T22:10:00.007-04:00

3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Phone: 604-985-7474
Website: http://www.capbridge.com/index.html

Dusk of English Bay (May 14)

2010-06-02T19:03:00.007-04:00

Family Reunion at YVR (May 14)

2010-05-26T11:40:00.010-04:00

On May 14th, my husband and I were on the flight to Vancouver, which was also the destination of my parents' flight from Beijing. We planned to meet at Vancouver, go visit my aunt and cousin and take a tour in Great Vancouver area.

I have been longing for this moment of family reunion in Canada for a long time. I have not seen my parents for three years since last time I went back my hometown. I can't remember how many times I imagine my parents are with me in Canada, so I can tell them the things around me, let them share my happiness and success, take them to beautiful scenic spots, or just simply eat dinner with them. When this dream finally comes true, I feel there is no word existing to describe my mood at that time.

Our plane was taking off from YOW airport.. five hours..three hours.....half an hour to arrive..Oh, I can see many miniature-alike buildings and roads beneath through the window......

Vancouver, here I comes again!!!

10' Tulip Festival at Dows Lake (May 1st)

2010-05-01T18:53:00.010-04:00

The annual tulip festival brings hundreds of thousands of tulips to Dows Lake and several other areas for viewing by tourists and makes the city come live again. This year we went visit those adorable tulips again and felt the intense spring atmosphere out there.

You will find a big "dog show" at Dows Lake. Dog lovers and owners are more than welcome to join this party.

These tiny yellow wild flowers grow widely over the city, and are in blossom everywhere in this season. They are pretty beautiful, aren't they?

Hog's Back Park (Apr. 17)

2010-04-17T18:29:00.003-04:00

Finally plants are sprouting after a long winter, snow and ice cubes are melting, and the sign of revival can be seen everywhere.

Capital Greenbelt - Stony Swamp (Apr. 4th)

2010-04-10T22:47:00.007-04:00

32nd Winterlude Ice Carving 2 (Feb 12)

2010-02-13T22:20:00.005-05:00

At Winterlude festival, what you can find are not just beatiful ice sculptures but also local food and snacks. I'm introducing to you two good things that worth trying - they are very Canadian~

1. maple syrup candy made on snow
Taffy on Snow is quite a creative lollipop for me. It is made of maple syrup that poured on snow and tastes very sweet and sticky. As you know, maple syrup is one of the most famous special local products in Canada. So, if you are new to here, don't forget grab one and try it!
- $2.5 each :)

2. Beaver Tail

Well, it is not the real tail of beaver's, but a kind of fried cake pasted with spice of your choice such as cheese, chocolate hazelnut etc. The price is about $4 to $5 each. I tried the Beaver Tail with chocolate hazelnut paste for $5 that day. I feel it tastes quite like Chinese deep fried cake - "You Bing(油饼)". I guess the reason this food is called Beaver Tail is because of its shape and look. Very interesting indeed.

32nd Winterlude Ice Carving 1 (Feb 12)

2010-02-13T21:26:00.009-05:00

One Day of the Year to Celebrate (Jan 18th)

2010-01-18T09:46:00.025-05:00

It is the fifth time that I have my birthday celebrated in Canada, and my gift of this year is quite different in terms of its meaning.
I used to receive birthday gifts from my parents, friends, classmates and boyfriend (now my husband), I always feel grateful and happy for getting gifts and wishes from my loved ones. This year, however, I got a gift from myself, which made me feel even more satisfied and cheerful.

As you know, I am a photography enthusiast and have been longing for a Canon digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera for years. Before, it is just a bit expensive for me to afford it without a job. But now, considering that I had made some money in the previous months, I finally decided to get one as my birthday gift. I would say that nothing can bring me more happiness than the fact that my dream finally comes true. I am a prouded owner of a Canon T1i (EOS500D) camera now. My dad loves taking pictures as well, so I really want to give him a better SLR camera in the future. I will go for it for sure!

my new buddy

my old buddy

09 Mont-Tremblant Tour - Mont-Tremblant 3 (Oct 12th)

2009-10-25T11:15:00.003-04:00

gondola to the peak of the mountain (second half of the cable)

overlook from the peak

09 Mont-Tremblant Tour - Mont-Tremblant 2 (Oct 12th)

2009-10-25T09:06:00.005-04:00

There are two ways for going up and down the mountain in Mont-Tremblant, either by walk or by cable. Since the time was short, and we also didn't want to spend too much energy on climbing the mountain, cable car was the better choice.

First half of cable is free to all the tourists. It takes tourists to an open ground which is much like a village comprising children's play ground, restaurants, various stores, information centre, hotels etc. Next half is gondola with a charge of $22 per person for tourists who want to reach the peak of the mountain by cable.

under the mountain

riding the cable car (first section)

reach an open ground by cable car

09 Mont-Tremblant Tour - Mont-Tremblant 1 (Oct 12th)

2009-10-24T19:25:00.007-04:00

"Little Switzerland", here I come

09 Mont-Tremblant Tour - St-Agathe-des-Monts (Oct 12th)

2009-10-23T21:52:00.003-04:00

09 Mont-Tremblant Tour - Montebello Hotel (Oct 12th)

2009-10-23T18:41:00.020-04:00

I have an interest in viewing colorful foliage especially maple leaves in fall. In my opinion, fall is the best season during the year because it is the time for harvest, and it also presents plentiful colors and gorgeous sceneries.

This year my husband and I joined an one-day tour to Mont-Tremblant of Quebec for seeing maple leaves. The itinerary is:
1. Montebello Hotel
2. St-Agathe-des-Monts
3. Mont-Tremblant

Although the first two places have some good views, our focus is on the final destination - Mont-Tremblant. It is a small village located in Quebec, about two-and-a-half hours driving distance from Ottawa. Mont-Tremblant is a skiing resort in winter and known as "little Swizerland" as its buildings are designed in European's style.

Chasing My Dream

2009-10-09T22:19:00.015-04:00

2009, or to be specific, September of this year means so much to me. In this fruitful year, I have experienced many big events that are important to me and my family:

- In September, I finally graduated after two-year studies at University of Ottawa.
- On September 8th, I Got married with my fiance and began a married life in Ottawa.
- On September 11th, I moved home from a rented house to my husband's house.
- On September 28th, I got a job in Wal-Mart Canada after three-round interviews, which can be a good starting point to begin my career.
- In October, we bought a Ford sedan, our first car. No more dependence and restriction by the way of public transportations.

......
......

We gain today for what we paid yesterday. There are many dreams and wishes in my mind, and I believe I can try my best to make them come true, to create more excitements in my life, and to bring happiness and hope to my family.

If 2009 is a milestone for me, I hope 2010 will be the year of harvest!

Andrew Haydon Park (Sep 13th)

2009-09-16T14:16:00.005-04:00

Britannia Park (Sep 13th)

2009-09-16T13:46:00.008-04:00

Wedding (Sep 8th)

2009-09-16T13:17:00.006-04:00

Sushi, Yummy Yummy~ (Jul 25th)

2009-07-30T22:45:00.004-04:00

Picking My Own Strawberries (Jun 29)

2009-07-07T10:09:00.018-04:00

It was my first time to pick berries on the farm. I had never seen where strawberries or any berries grow and how the fields look like before, so I was totally excited this time.

There are 3 locations of pick your own farms in Ottawa and we went to the Merivale one. When we reached there, a bunch of people were picking theirs in the berry field. We once worried about the muddy condition and therefore hesitated to set out, because it rained in the morning of that day. You know, however, the field staff had already paved straws on each aisle to cover the soil so that our shoes won't get dirty. Knowing that the staff are very experienced and considerate, customers will really have nothing to worry about.

The tip of picking your own strawberries is to find reaped ones. Try to pick entire red strawberries instead of ones that having green color on tip. Size doesn't matter because either small or big reaped strawberries are equally sweet and tasty! I got to know that the best time during the day to pick berries is in the morning or evening, and cloudy day is also suitable.

Pick your own farms have quite reasonable prices, $5 for 2lb basket and $10 for 4lb basket. So, why don't you pick some fresh fruits and meantime support the local economy? That's one stone with two birds. ^^

For more info about pick your own berries, go to Shoudice Berry Farm and Market's website.

Beautiful Gatineau Park - Pink Lake 2 (Jun 28)

2009-07-04T15:41:00.005-04:00

Beautiful Gatineau Park - Pink Lake 1 (Jun 28)

2009-07-04T14:35:00.013-04:00

I have visited Gatineau Park located in Gatineau, Quebec several times, either in summer or fall. It is the kindom of forest, lakes and wild animals. Since it displays various nature view and beauties through out the year, Gatineau Park is one of the most appealing spots for campers, tourists and exercisers in nearby neighborhoods in Quebec.

Pink Lake is quite famous in Gatineau Park. People prefer to go visit this lake because it is also close to the entrance of the park compared with other lakes. Interesting to note that Pink Lake is actually green in color, not really pink, haha.

Walk along the trail around Pink Lake, I was deeply attracted by the beauty of nature. Natural Environment is quite good and forest is almost intact. I think every visitor in the park has responsibility to keep the forest as is and the environment clean. It is not a cliche to say that, "do others a favor is to help ourselves" .

Well, I have a friendly tip to visitors. When you go visit Gatineau Park in summer, be cautious about mosquitos. Do some precausions to prevent from being bit. I was taught a lesson this time. ><||| Oh, and don't use perfume, because bees will love to follow you...

Weekend Trip to 1000 Islands - Boldt Castle (Jun 27)

2009-07-02T23:12:00.011-04:00

One of the famous spots in 1000 Islands region of St. Lawrence River is Boldt Castle. Boldt Castle, a monument of love by George C. Boldt for his wife Louise, is located on Heart Island, in the United States, and is only accessible by water. From both Canada and the U.S., visitors may find transportation on either a tour boat or by personal pleasure craft.

Tourists from Canada must be Canadian citizens or have U.S. visa in order to go visit the castle. Therefore, I was blocked from seeing the castle inside. Hope someday I will have a chance to wander through this mysterious castle...

Weekend Trip to 1000 Islands - Boats (Jun 27)

2009-07-02T20:31:00.012-04:00

Lots of boats and ships shuttled on the river, which kept our eyes busy. Boaters waved their hands to passengers on tour boats to show their friendliness, and we waved back to them.

Weekend Trip to 1000 Islands - Islanders, Houses and Docks (Jun 27)

2009-07-02T19:57:00.012-04:00

Weekend Trip to 1000 Islands - On the Boat (Jun 27)

2009-07-02T19:11:00.013-04:00

Photo of the Day:

This picture is the most valuable one that I shot at 1000 Islands. When the boat was cruising on St. Lawrence River, seagulls hovered above the boat. Some tourists throwed corn chips into the air and tried to feed them. These waterfowls are "greedy" in nature, haha. They saw clearly from the sky and then managed to catch every piece of food from generous tourists. They were flying at the amazingly low height at the same pace of the boat. They were so close to us! I think our arms can literally reach them. Everyone was enjoying the moment, laughing and taking pictures. Hope that kind of harmony of human , animal and nature can last forever.

Weekend Trip to 1000 Islands - Islands (Jun 27)

2009-07-02T18:13:00.016-04:00

Do Thousand Islands really have 1000 islands? Yes, there are 1793 islands in all in the St. Lawrence River which straddle the U.S. - Canada border. They stretch for about 50 miles (80 km) downstream from Kinston, Ontario. The Canadian islands are in the province of Ontario. The U.S. islands are in the state of New York.

These islands are various in size and shape, range from over 40 square miles (100km2) to small island occupied by a single residence, to even smaller uninhabited rocky ones that are home to migratory waterfowl. This area is very popular among vacationers, campers, and boaters, and it is often referred to as the "fresh water boating capital of the world".

Do you know how an island is determined? The criteria is that any island must be above water level for 365 (366) days per year, bigger than one square foot (roughly 930 cm²), and support at least one living tree. Interesting eh?

- Wikipedia

Weekend Trip to 1000 Islands - Small Town Gananoque (Jun 27)

2009-07-02T17:05:00.013-04:00

Drove about 1 hr and 40 mins, we arrived at a small town - Gananoque, a gateway to 1000 Islands. This town has approximately 5200 residents, as well as summer residents (also called "islanders" because of the Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque's most important tourist attraction). The Gananoque River flows through the town, and the St. Lawrence River is the southern boundary of the town.

Before boarded on the cruising boat, we strolled at the harbour. Scenery is beautiful there and full of the atmosphere of peace and ease. Weather was forecasted raining that day, but fortunately it didn't when we were cruising. Thanks God~ ^^

Toronto, Metropolis Impression 2 (Jun 21)

2009-06-25T00:39:00.010-04:00

Toronto, Metropolis Impression 1 (Jun 21)

2009-06-25T00:20:00.007-04:00

It Is Amazing - Clifton Street (Jun 20)

2009-06-24T21:53:00.009-04:00

Clifton Street is so famous and obvious that you will have no chance missing it if you are at Niagara Falls. There are a bunch of attractions, games,merchandise, food and souvenir that keep your eyes opening big. It is really worth walking around. You will find lots of fun~

We Are Travellers (Jun 20)

2009-06-24T19:17:00.002-04:00

This is the place, Crowne Plaza Hotel, where we lived in during our Toronto weekend trip. Not bad.. but I would say no where is as cozy and comfortable as home. :)

Niagara Falls, the World's Wonder 3 (Jun 20)

2009-06-24T15:24:00.004-04:00

Niagara Falls, the World's Wonder 2 (Jun 20)

2009-06-24T15:03:00.007-04:00

Niagara Falls, the World's Wonder 1 (Jun 20)

2009-06-24T14:35:00.012-04:00

I think there is no such need to introduce Niagara Falls since everyone know it. We took four and a half hours carpool to reach Toronto last Friday night and another two more hours car ride to get to the Niagara Falls region on Saturday morning. It rained all day but can't stop me from taking many photos of the world wonder. Hundreds of thousands of tourists were attracted to that area and cameras kept flashing.

If you want to watch Niagara Falls from a good angle, then Canada side is better than U.S. Standing on the land of Canada's side,people can get an entire view of two falls. Although I visited Niagara Falls from U.S. when I was in high school, the falls impressed me again. I was deeply moved by the beauty of the mother nature. Hope my scenery photos are able to touch you and bring you the enjoyment as well.

My friend Xue graduated~ (Jun 12)

2009-06-15T14:51:00.014-04:00

I attended my friend Xue's graduation ceremony at National Arts Centre last Friday. I believe it was a moving event for everyone involved, especially for Xue herself.

We have been studied together in the same graduate program at University of Ottawa since fall 2007. We took almost same courses and experienced many unforgetable activities and events inside and outside of campus. When I heard she would be graduating in June this year, my first thought is that I want to attend her convocation. Her parents came a long way from China to witness their daughter's success and share the pride and joy for her. I feel so happy for her and her family. I can't help imagine my own graduation ceremony at that time. How excellent it would be if my parents could come and enjoy the big event when I graduate! I should bear this beautiful wish in heart and go for it on the final stage of my study life.

Xue, I learned a lot from you, your wit, your hardworking attitude, your diligence and your spirit of challeging yourself. Thank you for your helps to me in the past. Sincerely wish you everything the best in the future of your work life!

Mackenzie King's Estate (May 29th)

2009-06-01T13:33:00.018-04:00

We went to Gatineau Park last Friday. It was a drizzling day. Air was so fresh in the forest, I can't help inhale a mouthful of cool air which greatly refreshed me.This time we mainly spent our time on visiting Mackenzie King's estate - the previous Canadian Prime Minister's cottages.

Mackenzie King fell in love with the wild landscape the moment when he first visited to the Gatineau Hills as a young civil servant. In 1903, he bought land near Kinsmere lake and built himself a modest cottage. After becoming PM, he moved to a larger residence near Moorside, where he laid out ornamental English gardens and ruins. He also created a good number of the trails on his estate. When Mackenzie King died in 1950, he bequeathed his property at Kingsmere to the people of Canada. Thanks him for his generous gift to offspring.

inside the cottage

ornamental English Garden and the ruins behind

Shooting Fire Practice at Parliament

2009-05-27T14:16:00.005-04:00

Canon PowerShot S5IS, f/4.5, 1/100sec, ISO-80

Canon PowerShot S5IS, f/3.5, 1/640sec, ISO-400

Canon PowerShot S5IS, f/4, 1/80sec, ISO-80

Sunny Afternoon at Hog's Back Park (May 24)

2009-05-25T16:28:00.004-04:00

Last Sunday we went to Hog's Back Park for a walk. Weather was nice. No more snow, no more storm, no more chilly wind. Finally, we could say goodbye to the long Winter and welcomed the green world back again!

Whoops, some splinters of plant on my socks. Hey, don't take that secret shot~

09' Tulip Festival at Dows Lake 3 (May 9th)

2009-05-12T13:21:00.003-04:00

Although I have been in Ottawa for almost 2 years, it is my first time to take O-Train, the only light rail in this capital city. I found that the inside of O-Train is quite capacious and cozy. Nice to have a ride experience for me that day. BTW, really miss Vancouver's Sky Train, the fast and convenient transportation facility that I used to take...

09' Tulip Festival at Dows Lake 2 (May 9th)

2009-05-12T12:57:00.002-04:00

09' Tulip Festival at Dows Lake 1 (May 9th)

2009-05-12T11:53:00.011-04:00

Each May, Canada's capital becomes the tulip city of North America. Close to a million tulips of more than 50 varieties bring many flower beds to life. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has been presenting this annual tulip exhibit since 1953, making parks across the region burst into multicoloured bloom.

Among many floral exhibit sites, Commissioners Park near Dows Lake presents some 300,000 tulips - the highest concentration in the region. Many significant floral displays can be found there, including NCC's most historic beds and Queen Juliana Gift Bed, where the most recent gift of tulips is planted each year.

Happy Mother's Day! (May 10th)

2009-05-10T12:04:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Today is Mother's Day! Wish my mom a happy and smiling day today. I want to say, 'Thank you for helping me grow!' You are the best mom in the world. ^^

Downtown or suburb, which do you prefer?

2009-05-03T21:26:00.003-04:00

Outing with BF's Family (April 19)

2009-04-22T00:22:00.007-04:00

Cathedral Basilica of Ottawa (April 11)

2009-04-21T22:28:00.005-04:00

The Basilica is the oldest church in Ottawa and the seat of the city's Catholic archbishop. Its twin spires and gilded Madonna are easily identifiable from nearby Parliament Hill and the surrounding area. The church was recently renovated and restored in the late 1990s. Services are held in both French and English. [Wikipedia]

This cathedral's roof looks like a night sky, I love this magnificent design so much!

Parade at Parliament & Peace Tower Overlook (April 11)

2009-04-21T21:56:00.004-04:00

Tamil Tiger's parade at Parliament

on the top of Peace Tower - the outlook deck, its roof looks like many gold bars

What a shining roof!

a Deeply Bless to A Sang

2009-04-07T12:20:00.020-04:00

One of my favorite Taiwanese singers A Sang (阿桑) passed away yesterday at the young age of only 34. Her songs are famous for healing inner pain and easing people. I listened to her song for the first time when I was studying in university. She has two albums to date and I enjoy almost every song. I would say that they are too appealing to stop listen once I start. I usually repeated listen one song tens of times. They make me feel relaxed and bring me an inner peace every time I listened.

I visited her blog today for the first time and made a comment just like her fans and people who love her and miss her. I hope she can hear and see our bless and wishes in the heaven. God bless you, 阿桑~

my comment on A Sang's blog

My Favorite Song List：

《一直很安静》《保管》《叶子》《寂寞在唱歌》《开车》

《你要离开的一些时候》《受了点伤》

一直很安静

叶子

保管

Teppanyaki, it is gooooood!

2009-03-30T23:34:00.024-04:00

I found that electric griddle is really an economic and useful kitchen appliance for family. We used it twice recently and cooked some delicious stuff. Here they are:

1. Teppanyaki Beef

Ingredients: beef, yellow onion,mushroom, green pepper

2. Homemade Deluxe Skewer

Ingredients: chicken breast, green pepper, yellow pepper, red pepper, mushroom, zucchini, yellow onion, seasoning.

Tired of stir fries? Then try griddle them~ ^^

Winterlude 31st Ice Carvings (Feb 14)

2009-03-30T22:40:00.008-04:00

What a sunny weekend! Go enjoy the fun on Rideau Canal skating ring~

Bus strike, selfish men's game!

2009-02-06T23:28:00.054-05:00

After 59 days out of service, Ottawa's OC Transpo transit strike is finally ended today. This resume of service is not due to the agreement reached by Municipal government and bus union, but rather resort to the settlement of binding arbitration.

I don't know if we should cheer it up for getting the bus hit the road again... Me, like many Ottawa residents here, has already lost our trust and respect to both parties! I still don't understand one thing to date. How come on the earth that the public transportation is not considered as an essential service for city, just like fire fighter and police's job are?! From common sense of view, the service that bus provides are so crucial to the city. If compares city to human's body, then bus is like running blood that helps to transfer nutrient to everywhere of the body. It really should not be entitled the right to have a strike!!!!

This strike that started on Dec 10 last year lasted for two month, bring to the city huge inconvience, big financial & economic lost and gloomy atmosphere. Can you imagine that two thousands of bus drives' selfish and irresponsible strike behavior could impact hundreds of thousands of people's regular lives? The followings are some facts:

*Many students live far and had no alternative way to get to school. They were late for class and final exams.
*Commuters who previously rely on bus had a hardship in finding alternative ways to go to work and come back home.
*Old and sick people could not reach hospital for timely treatment.
*Parents walked a long way to pick up their children in cold weather. No matter if there was freezing rain, winter storm, strong wind or minus 30 degree celcius...
*Tranffic chaos and road rage were the common phenomenon during strike, people who have car would not feel happier than who don't.
*Although carpool can solve some people's problems, it cannot help all. Plus, it added finicial burden to people greatly.
*Various pressure induced by strike had impact on lots of people, so that they cannot focus on their study and work. etc.

Tranffic jam in downtown. Bus lane was empty.

People without car had to commute on foot. I was one of them.

Campus bus stop was empty. No single bus showed up there after Dec 10.

Buses were gone. People were gone.

We cannot be frustrated and beaten, we should find fun and continue enjoying our lives.

Silent night at Campus bus stop of uOttawa.

A brand new day

To Ottawa OC Transpo bus drivers:

Thanks to your selfishness, you gave us a really memorable 2008 Christmas and 2009 New Year time!

We appreciate what you have done so much, it made everyone of us even stronger and get closer to each other!

Finally, a famous Chinese saying for you, "做（zho）人（ren）要（yow）厚（hole）道（dow）" ! It means as a human, to be nice and kind ...

Special Day of A Year

2009-01-29T17:28:00.012-05:00

Thanks to my dad and mom!
I'll be cherishing and enjoying the life that you endowed me.

Thanks to my friends and him!
I'll carry your best wishes in everyday of my life.

Thanks to myself!
I made me the true one that I like quite much.

Thanks to everything I own!
1.18 is my day!

2008 Christmas Dinner

2009-01-13T23:05:00.022-05:00

*Roasted Turkey*

Ingredients: young turkey, potato, celery, salt, black pepper and stuffing (see below)
Stuffing: carrot, celery, mushroom, cranberry, Kraft's turkey stuffing

1. stuffed raw turkey

2. roasting turkey in the oven

3. a well-done turkey

4. go cut it

5. smells and tastes so great

Eating roasted turkey on Christmas day is a tradition in many western countries. This year we tried to celebrate Christmas in this way. Although it is our first time to roast a whole turkey, I have to say that it is a big success! Young turkey meat is so tender and juicy. And when I ate it companying a cup of famous Canada ice wine, so awesome!!!!!!!!!

*Chinese Hot Pot*

Ingredients: chicken broth, Bok Choy, Shanghai Bok Choy, shrimp, lamb slices, Beef slices, frozen Toufu, tender Toufu, dried fried Toufu, luncheon meat, Szechuan potato noodle, pork meatball, cuttlefish meatball, dipping sauce.

Hot pot is one of my favorite chinese cuisines. There are many styles of hot pot from various regions in China. I prefer Beijing style Hot Pot the most since I was born and grew up there. Hot pot is quite popular from North to South in China. One reason is because it is a perfect choice for many people, no matter the whole family or a group of friends, sitting together around the pot and enjoying. It makes everyone happy and warm especially in winter season. Another reason is that we can put any easily-cooked food in the pot as we like. Therefore anyone can find his/her likes in the pot, even the pickiest person! :)

One-Day Church Tour to Montréal

2008-12-15T14:20:00.031-05:00

Itinerary:

*Departure at 8:00 AM from

Lincoln Fields Shopping Mall on Carling St

*Arrival in Montréal at St-Joseph Oratory at 10:00 AM

*Visit of the exposition - very nice cribs of Infant Jesus

*Buffet at Fu Lam Restaurant with no charge at 2:15 PM

*Visit Infant Jesus Church

*Home Ottawa at about 8:00 PM at Lincoln Fields

Saint-Joseph Oratory

Infant Jesus Church

Cooking Is a Fun!

2008-11-05T21:08:00.010-05:00

I am wondering if cooking can be regarded as my second hobby after photography, emm...

1. Chinese meat pie

2. Chinese pork & bok choy pie

3. Roasted lamb leg

4. Roasted spiced lamb

5. Roasted chicken thighs & wings

6. BBQ sauced pork ribs

7.Chinese hot pot

8. Combo 1 - fried pork rib slices, stir fried brocoli, stir fried pork liver & cucumber

9.Combo 2 - yam & pumpkin featured rice, Szechuan spicy pork slices (鱼香肉丝)

10.Combo 3 - Pot medley

11. Beijing sweet sauce flavored minced pork noodle (北京炸酱面)

12.Beef udon noodle (日本饂饨)

13. Seafood noodle

14.Spaghetti

15.Stewed pork soup noodle

16.Pineapple, banana & mango smoothie

17.Breakfast - fruit loops cereal, milk

Thanks for enjoying~

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-22T01:23:00.004-04:00

Downtown in Fall (October 12)

2008-10-17T09:12:00.006-04:00

Gatineau Park in Fall 4 (October 11)

2008-10-16T00:15:00.004-04:00

Gatineau Park in Fall 3 (October 11)

2008-10-15T23:52:00.004-04:00

Gatineau Park in Fall 2 (October 11)

2008-10-15T23:32:00.006-04:00

Gatineau Park in Fall 1 (October 11)

2008-10-15T23:05:00.005-04:00

Love & the Gartner Hype Cycle

2008-10-09T18:51:00.047-04:00

I recently wrote a paper about Enterprise 2.0 for EBC6260 Integrated Enterprise Networks. When I used the Gartner Hype Cycle to explain the market adoption of Enterprise 2.0 technologies, I suddently came across an idea to apply love to this theory. I think it fits quite well, and maybe lots of other things are in compliance with the Gartner Hype Cycle as well.

As the Hype Cycle figure shown above, it illustrates every new technology's market adoption in various stage from its emergence to the maturity and mass implementation. When a new technology is first invented and with broad appeal, vendor would advertize it by all means and to the maximum in order to attract as many early adoptors as possible (Technology Trigger). Then consumers begin to take notice to this new technology. More and more prospective buyers become real consumers for the product. Then this technology is being deployed in-volumn by mainstream buyers (Peak of Inflated Expectation). Some day after the overwhelmed enthusiasm and chase, people suddenly become aware of the inflated factor and find that the technology cannot deliver the satisfactory result as they expected before, this is when Trough/Chasm is reached. As the technology/tool is improved and modified in fulfillment of business market requirement over time, it will be gradually re-accepted and widely used by customers (Plateau of Productivity);or if it is nothing but a tech buzzword which is not feasible and meaningful for business, it will demise at last.

How about love? Doesn't the progress of love go the same way as adoption of a technology does? I think the answer is "Yes"! When a girl and a boy first meet and have a great feeling about him/her, they know little about each other (Technology Trigger) and they have a great passion to get more information about him/her. As the time goes by, they find they are hooked and the love temperature has been raising up continuously. They even vow to stay together forever no matter what will happen (Peak of Inflated Expectation). Some day, however, they find they lost the passion and become more and more impatient and dissatisfied to each other. It is not that they don't love each other no more, but the familiarity makes them expose their weakness fully and truly (Trough/Chasm). Gradually, they realize that everyone has his/her merits and drawbacks, in other words, true love should contain all things that s/he has if two people are really into each other. They try to compromise and in a tempt to enjoy the beauty of his/hers. Their intimate affection contributes to a happy marriage at last (Plateau of Productivity); or if they are not able to understand and compromise to the other one, then the only choice is breaking up.

These are just my random thoughts triggered by the graph, I guess maybe lots of things are consistent with the Gartner Hype Cycle as well, like your feeling towards a food you have never tasted before and the like. It is very interesting to notice that this Hype Cycle is quite a generic formula applying to different things besides the technology. Do you agree with me?

Just wish every love has a joyous ending!

Fall, Harvest, Color 2 (October 4)

2008-10-08T00:33:00.008-04:00

Pumpkin king, they are real!

Fall, Harvest, Color 1 (October 4)

2008-10-07T23:58:00.011-04:00

Surfing Performance on Campus (September 26)

2008-09-28T18:36:00.003-04:00

Britannia Park (September 13)

2008-09-17T13:23:00.006-04:00

Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill

2008-08-28T00:01:00.012-04:00

I went to parliament watching the Sound and Light show several times recently. This 30-minute performance captures the spirit of Canada through music, storytelling and dramatic images projected on the front of the Parliament. The audiences are able to get to know Canada's history, development of its provinces from coast to coast, Canadians' patriotism and glories and so on. No matter you are a local or a tourist, I think you will be captivated by this attractive summer show.

It is worth mentioning that the show is presented from July 5 to September 7 in a bilingual way, twice every night. Therefore, you still have the chance to experience a wonderful moment, and what makes it better is that this performance is FREE!!! So be quick! Bring your family and your friends to parliament, the heart of the capital. One more thing is coming early, you will find a seat ;)

normal looking of parliament

FYI:

Information: 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867

TTY: 613-239-5090 or 1-866-661-3530

Capital Infocentre: 90 Wellington Street, Ottawa (across from Parliament Hill)

May be cancelled in the event of bad weather